Chicken Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

A mouthwatering fusion of cheesy pasta, balsamic chicken, and fresh Caprese flavors—perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing at summer gatherings.

Introduction: A Modern Italian-Inspired Favorite

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the flavors of a classic Caprese salad. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze is a time-honored Italian favorite. But what happens when you take all those bright, fresh flavors and combine them with protein-packed chicken and tender cheese tortellini? You get the ultimate comfort-meets-fresh Chicken Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad—a dish that’s equally delicious warm or cold and ready to steal the show at your next meal.

This recipe is more than just another pasta salad—it’s a complete, hearty meal in a bowl that brings together the best of Balsamic Chicken Tortellini e Simple Caprese Tortellini Salad into one flavor-packed dish. From weeknight dinners to weekend potlucks, this recipe fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, offering both convenience and gourmet flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

This dish blends the freshness of salad with the coziness of pasta and the heartiness of grilled chicken. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Make-ahead friendly—flavors improve overnight
✅ No mayo—perfect for summer picnics
✅ Customizable with pantry-friendly ingredients
✅ Kid-friendly and lunchbox approved

Whether you’re craving a Balsamic Caprese Chicken Salad or just need a Quick Pasta Salad to feed a crowd, this dish has you covered.

What Is Caprese Salad Anyway?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s appreciate the simplicity of Caprese Salad (pronounced kah-preh-zay). Originating from Italy’s island of Capri, the traditional version includes just four ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It’s a visual and flavor representation of the Italian flag and a celebration of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Now, imagine that same flavor profile boosted with savory chicken, pillowy tortellini, and a balsamic vinaigrette that ties everything together. That’s exactly what this dish offers.

Ingredientes que Você vai Precisar

Para a Salada:

10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded (grilled, rotisserie, or sautéed)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional but adds zing)
1/4 de xícara de manjericão fresco, chopped or torn
Salt and freshly cracked black peppera gosto

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 colheres de azeite
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 colher de chá de mostarda de Dijon
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt & peppera gosto

Opcional Guarnições:

Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
More fresh basil
Crushed red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan

Passo-a-Passo

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually 2–5 minutes for fresh pasta. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Passo 2: Prepare o Frango

If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces. For freshly cooked chicken:

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Sauté in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
Let cool, then slice or shred.

Step 3: Mix the Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together:

Balsamic vinegar
Azeite de oliva
Mel
Mostarda de Dijon
Alho
Salt & pepper
Shake well until fully emulsified.

Passo 4: Monte a Salada

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion. Add the chopped basil.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss to combine until everything is well-coated.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and garnish with extra basil.

Servindo Sugestões

This salad is perfect as a standalone meal or can be paired with:

Garlic bread or herbed focaccia
A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Grilled vegetables
Chilled white wine, sparkling water, or lemonade

Nutrition Spotlight (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 460
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium & Vitamin C: Thanks to the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella

This dish offers a balanced macro profile, especially when using whole grain tortellini or adding extra veggies.

Variations & Add-Ins

Este Chicken Tortellini Pasta Salad is endlessly adaptable. Try these ideas:

🌱 Vegetarian

Skip the chicken
Add white beans, grilled eggplant, or avocado

🌶️ Spicy

Toss in sliced jalapeños or chili flakes
Use a spiced balsamic vinaigrette

🥒 Crunchy

Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or baby spinach
Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts

🧀 Extra Cheesy

Mix in grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for another layer of flavor

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This salad is a meal-prep dream. Here’s how to store and serve it for best results:

Armazenamento: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Sabor Boost: Drizzle extra dressing or balsamic glaze before serving if it seems dry.
Meal Prep Tip: Store basil separately and add just before serving for ultimate freshness.

Perguntas Frequentes

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and make sure to rinse it in cold water after cooking to stop it from becoming mushy.

Can I eat this warm?

Absolutely. While traditionally served cold or at room temperature, this dish tastes fantastic warm as well. Try gently reheating individual portions if desired.

What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and vinegar?

Balsamic glaze is a reduced, sweetened version of balsamic vinegar—thicker and more syrupy, ideal for drizzling. Balsamic vinegar is more acidic and is used in the vinaigrette.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Sure! Penne, bowtie, or orecchiette work well. But tortellini adds a creamy, cheesy element that elevates the dish.

The Story Behind This Recipe: From Caprese to Complete Meal

Caprese salad is often considered a “starter,” but this dish takes it from appetizer to entrée. The inspiration for this recipe came on a summer evening after grilling balsamic-marinated chicken and serving it with a tomato mozzarella salad. The leftover tortellini in the fridge sparked a lightbulb moment: Why not bring it all together?

What started as an impromptu fridge-clean-out turned into a family-favorite recipe that’s now requested on repeat. It’s been a staple for school lunches, weekend potlucks, and even elegant dinner parties when plated with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra herbs.

Final Thoughts: A Recipe That Feels Like a Hug

In a world of over-complicated meals and trendy diet foods, this Chicken Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad brings it back to what matters—fresh ingredients, bold flavor, and comfort on a fork.

With cheesy pasta, savory chicken, garden-fresh veggies, and that unmistakable hit of balsamic, this salad is a dish you’ll return to again and again. It’s nourishing, beautiful, and just as welcome at a summer picnic as it is in your cozy winter kitchen.